TURKISH LAW CONSULTING
Comprehensive Litigation Representation in Türkiye: We offer full-scale litigation services across the Turkish judicial system. Our attorneys represent clients at every stage – from pre-charge investigations with public prosecutors through trials in first-instance courts (civil, criminal and specialized venues) – and on to appeals in regional appellate courts and the Court of Cassation (Yargıtay). We are experienced in handling cases up to Türkiye’s highest tribunals, including administrative appeals at the Council of State (Danıştay) and constitutional petitions before the Constitutional Court.
Our litigation practice is “holistic and hands-on”: we prepare thorough case files, draft briefs in Turkish law, and argue motions and trials. Key litigation services include:
· Criminal Defense: Advising and defending clients during investigations (savcılık) and at Criminal Courts of First Instance, handling appeals to the Regional Courts of Justice and ultimately to the Court of Cassation.
· Civil & Commercial Litigation: Representing businesses and individuals in civil disputes (contracts, torts, debt collection, real estate, etc.) in civil courts, with appeals to higher courts as needed.
· Administrative Cases: Litigating disputes against government bodies (permits, licenses, fines, expropriations, etc.) in Administrative Courts, including appeals to the Council of State (Danıştay) – Turkey’s highest administrative court.
· Specialized Matters: Handling family law proceedings (e.g. divorce, custody, inheritance) in Family Courts, commercial disputes in Commercial Courts, and enforcement of foreign judgments in Turkish courts.
· Appeals & Review: Filing and arguing appeals at the Regional Courts of Appeal and the Court of Cassation (Yargıtay) for civil/criminal cases , and preparing individual constitutional applications when fundamental rights issues arise.
Our firm has the depth to coordinate multi-stage litigation, ensuring continuity from trial through appeal. We guide clients through Turkish procedure, citing applicable laws and prior decisions so their cases are efficiently presented before the correct tribunal.
Non-Litigation & Advisory Services
We also provide a full range of non-contentious legal services in Turkish law. This includes transactional and advisory work to help clients avoid disputes or resolve issues without court. Key non-litigation offerings include:
· Contracts & Transactions: Drafting and negotiating business contracts, commercial agreements, partnership and investment documents under Turkish law. We ensure your dealings comply with Turkey’s codes and regulations.
· Corporate Counsel: Advising on company formation, corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures and statutory compliance in Türkiye. We help foreign investors navigate corporate requirements and local partners understand their rights.
· Administrative Procedures: Assisting with government filings, licenses and permits. If an application is denied or challenged, we prepare appeals to administrative bodies or courts.
· Alternative Dispute Resolution: Representing clients in negotiations, mediation, or arbitration related to Turkish matters. We aim for pragmatic solutions and only proceed to litigation when necessary.
· Legal Opinions & Compliance: Providing written legal opinions on Turkish law issues (regulatory changes, business transactions, risk assessments) to inform strategic decisions.
Our advisory style is friendly and professional: we explain Turkish legal concepts in clear terms, tailor advice to your situation, and keep you updated on developments in Türkiye. We are committed to personalized service and strategic guidance, drawing on our firm’s dual U.S.–Turkish perspective.
Serving Turkish Citizens and Foreign Nationals
Merit Law LLP represents both Turkish nationals and foreign clients with interests in Türkiye. Whether you are a Turkish citizen abroad needing legal aid at home, a foreign company pursuing claims in Turkey, or an individual with Turkish-related legal issues, we can help. We bridge languages and legal cultures – our attorneys are fluent in English and Turkish (among other languages) – ensuring clients fully understand their options.
Our international experience means we handle cross-border cases smoothly. For example:
· Dual-Nationals and Expats: We assist Turkish citizens living in the U.S. (or elsewhere) who need to manage estates, resolve family matters, or pursue claims in Turkish courts.
· Foreign Investors/Workers: We guide international businesses and expatriates through Turkish legal requirements, from employment and labor issues to property transactions and liability matters.
Everyone has access to Turkish justice. In fact, Turkish law allows Turkish citizens to pursue disputes in Turkish courts even if a contract says otherwise. We keep abreast of international procedures (e.g. Turkey’s Act on Private International Law) so that foreign clients can assert rights in Türkiye.
U.S. Services for Turkish Clients
Besides Turkey-related work, our U.S. offices provide legal services tailored to Turkish clients in America. We leverage our expertise in U.S. law to serve Turkish nationals and businesses with:
· Immigration Law: We handle all U.S. immigration matters – visas (work, investor, student, family, asylum), green cards, naturalization, and deportation defense. We understand Turkish–U.S. immigration issues and speak your language throughout the process.
· Business Law & Transactions: We assist Turkish entrepreneurs and companies in the U.S. with entity formation (LLC, corporation), contract drafting, licensing agreements, and compliance with U.S. regulations. Whether you’re expanding in California or entering partnerships in New Jersey, we guide your U.S. ventures.
· Personal Legal Matters: We advise on U.S. family law, estate planning (wills, trusts), and personal disputes. Our lawyers provide empathetic, client-centered counsel for life’s legal questions, drawing on the firm’s broad practice areas.
These services are complementary: A Turkish client can work with our team for both their U.S. and Turkish legal needs. We take pride in making clients feel supported, offering the same commitment and warmth that define our About Us ethos.
Expert Legal Opinion on Turkish Matters
Merit Law also serves as a resource for U.S. legal professionals. When U.S. courts require interpretation of Turkish law or procedure, we provide expert opinions and affidavits. Our experts analyze Turkish statutes, regulations and case law to clarify issues such as:
· Applicability of Turkish substantive law or public policy (e.g. in international litigation or arbitration).
· Validity and enforcement of Turkish court judgments or arbitral awards.
· Turkish administrative practices or governmental positions relevant to U.S. cases.
By submitting detailed legal reports or testifying if needed, we help U.S. judges, counsel, and clients understand the Turkish legal landscape. This service leverages our deep knowledge of both systems: we explain Turkish law in English in a clear, authoritative manner.
Areas of Turkish Law We Handle
Our practice spans the full spectrum of Turkish law. In addition to the areas mentioned above, we advise and litigate in fields such as:
· Commercial & Corporate Law: Including trade regulations, consumer law, banking, and insurance.
· Family Law: Divorce, alimony, child custody, and inheritance under Turkish law, handled sensitively and efficiently.
· Administrative Law: Public procurement, regulatory disputes, challenging government actions, etc. (with appeals to Danıştay as needed) .
· Criminal Law: Defense in Turkey for criminal charges or investigations (ranging from white-collar offenses to free expression cases).
· Intellectual Property, Labor, Real Estate: We coordinate with local specialists to cover patent/trademark, employment disputes, property matters, and other niche areas.
By combining our litigation prowess with broad legal knowledge, Merit Law LLP is your trusted partner for Turkish law issues. Whether navigating the halls of Ankara’s highest courts or advising on a transnational contract, we provide diligent, friendly advocacy every step of the way.
